Addison Russell | Shortstop

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Addison Russell went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run Saturday facing the Mariners.

Russell hit a two-run home run -- his first of the spring -- off of Felix Hernandez in the third inning. His terrific spring performance has flown under the radar thanks to teammate Kris Bryant. Russell is now batting .409 (9-for-22) with three doubles. He won't break camp with the team, but he's expected to be a long-term fixture with the Cubs along with Bryant. Mar 21 - 7:46 PM

The Cubs are shutting down Addison Russell from the Arizona Fall League.

Russell is healthy, but the Cubs feel like he has played a full season. The 20-year-old is one of the top shortstop prospects in the majors, but he saw some time at second base during the Arizona Fall League in an effort to increase his versatility. It's not clear where he'll fit in 2015, but he's on the fast track to the big leagues. Thu, Oct 23, 2014 05:15:00 PM

Cubs prospect Addison Russell has played second base in the Arizona Fall League.

Cubs president Theo Epstein said earlier this month that Russell would prepare to play multiple positions and the 20-year-old made his first start at second base last Monday. "Everything's going good," said Russell. "I missed nine weeks so not only the at-bats, I need to get some reps at short and possibly at second. That's what I'm working on right now." The Cubs still have Starlin Castro at shortstop, so they are simply keeping their options open. The logjam could ultimately be resolved with a trade. Wed, Oct 22, 2014 01:31:00 PM

Cubs president Theo Epstein revealed at a season ticket holder event Friday that shortstop prospect Addison Russell has been told to be prepared to play multiple positions next season.

Unless they make a trade or two this offseason, the Cubs have a logjam at shortstop, so it makes sense that they'd prep Russell to play elsewhere. That said, Russell is capable defensively at the position, so it would seem to be a bit of a waste moving him to a less premium position. Chicago remains likely to be active in trade talks over the winter. Fri, Oct 10, 2014 02:44:00 PM

Chris Denorfia (hamstring) is expected to play in a minor league game by the middle of the week.

Denorfia, who has been nursing a left hamstring strain for two weeks, took batting practice Monday. The outfielder's status for Opening Day is up in the air. "I don't like to speculate on things like that," Denorfia said. "When you're rehabbing, anything can happen. As long as everything progresses the way it should, [I should be ready] sometime around that time. The goal is to be ready by then."

Lester struck out three of the 12 batters he faced while giving up one hit and one walk. The southpaw was scratched from Saturday's scheduled start due to a tired arm, but he said that Thursday was "good" and a "normal day." He will make another minor league start next week, likely stretching out to 75-80 pitches, which should put him track to start Opening Night against the Cardinals on April.

Tsuyoshi Wada (leg) is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Saturday.

Wada has been dealing with a sore left groin that forced him to leave Saturday's start. He has appeared in just two Cactus League contests thus far, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.80 WHIP in 1 2/3 innings of work. He appears to be on the outside looking in for the final spot in the Cubs rotation.

A second opinion has confirmed that Turner is dealing with a bone bruise and mild flexor strain in his right elbow. "It’s something that, right now, is not smart to throw through, basically," Turner said. "If I try to throw through it, it’s something that could be worse." Turner will obviously begin the season on the disabled list and will be sent out on a rehab assignment at some point before becoming an option for the Cubs.